Kickin’ it with Oscillation Records – The Versus Project

We decided to change things a bit for today by doing a feature on a Kickstarter Music project. With that out of the way, lets dive into The Versus Project!

4cr: Welcome to Kickin’ It With. Could you please let our readers know who you are and what your role is on the Versus Project?

NG: Hello! My name is Nick Garrison and I’m with Oscillations Records. My role with the project is to help with whatever is needed. Since Josh Denslow, drummer for Borrisokane, came to us with this idea, I’ve been excited about making sure everything is in place to make this project happen.

JD: I’m Josh Denslow and I play the drums in Borrisokane and I somehow talked a bunch of really talented people into helping me with this crazy idea. I very much consider myself a music nerd and this box set brings out that nerd in me. I’m always a sucker for limited releases and special artifacts from bands I like. This box set, with all the art and design, will not be duplicated again.

4cr: The campaign for the Versus Project is interesting because it features 7 bands working together to create a tribute album’s worth of covers on top of new songs from everyone involved. Can you elaborate on that?

NG: Borrisokane wanted to release a new EP, but rather than just record something and put it out, they wanted to make it something more special and more involved with the Austin music community.

JD: Exactly. And it’s not just bands. We’ve brought in a talented designer named Chris Davis from CogDut to put the physical box together with an eye toward displaying all of the artwork by Shawn Magill. The backs of each of the six CDs will combine to create one massive collage.

NG: Each individual EP will have a new Borrisokane song plus Borrisokane covering one of the contributing bands. There will then be a new song from that same band and them doing a cover of Borrisokane. The Kickstarter is the only time all of these unique EPs are being offered together, along with a lot of great rewards.

4cr: Currently, all tiers are set exclusively for US backers. Have you considered opening the campaign to the world by creating tiers that include the shipping cost that backers would need to include with their pledge?

NG: We could definitely work something out for overseas backers.
JD: I think we were worried about the cost of shipping for sure. But like Nick said, we’ll be happy to make accommodations for anyone. Send us a message and we’ll work with you! You’ll then just add the cost of international shipping when you pledge for a reward. I’d love to have this break out of Texas and into as many hands as possible.

4cr: Will there be any extra stretch goals if the campaign goes over the initial $3,000?

NG: I imagine there will be some bonuses for everyone who helps push us over our goal. This is the only time these discs will be offered together, so we’re hoping a lot of people help us make this happen.

JD: Some of the stretch goals I have in mind would involve making the release show even more special. All seven bands are going to be on stage at the same time for one night only. I’d love to get some dancers and a projector for visuals. Maybe some crazy lights and lazers. But I’d also love for the bands themselves to get a handful of extra copies of their EP that they can take to their future live performances. The box set will be not be available as a set again, but it would be great if the individual discs could continue to find a life.

4cr: When can backers expect to receive their rewards for supporting the Versus Project?

NG: The box set will be released on April 22, 2014, with a release show with all the bands being planned for early May. The rewards/discs will be sent out around that same time. It’s going to be one big rollout.

4cr: Our time is just about up. Would you like to say anything else to our readers?

NG: This is something that I’m very happy to be a part of. As far as I know, something like this hasn’t been done in Austin and really shows the sense of community amongst everyone involved. Hopefully this is just the beginning of more collaborative projects.

JD: I want to thank everyone for being a part of this and working so hard to make a true work of art that encapsulates how I feel about Austin, Texas. And I want to thank everyone who has pre-ordered the box set and shared the Kickstarter video. We couldn’t do anything without all of you.